Rolex Nicknames: The Ultimate Collector’s Guide

🕰 Introduction: Why Rolex Watches Have Nicknames

Rolex is the most recognized luxury watch brand in the world. But while the company itself never officially names its models beyond references and catalog terms, collectors, dealers, and enthusiasts have given many Rolex watches colorful nicknames that have become legendary.

These nicknames often come from:

• Colors of the bezel or dial (Pepsi, Hulk, Batman)

• Celebrity associations (Paul Newman, John Mayer, Clint Eastwood)

• Pop culture references (Smurf, Cookie Monster, Kermit)

• Historical ties (Milsub, Thunderbird, James Cameron)

Understanding these nicknames is essential for collectors because they:

• Add cultural identity to the watch

• Help with collector recognition and resale value

• Make it easier to discuss references outside of complex Rolex numbers

This guide explores the most famous Rolex nicknames — across GMT-Master, Submariner, Daytona, Day-Date, Datejust, Explorer, and more.

🟦🟥 Rolex GMT-Master & GMT-Master II Nicknames

The GMT-Master line is home to some of the most famous Rolex nicknames, thanks to its colorful bi-color bezels.

• Pepsi – Red and blue bezel (ref. 1675, 126710BLRO). Inspired by the Pepsi logo.

• Coke – Black and red bezel (ref. 16710). Strong collector following.

• Batman – Black and blue bezel (ref. 116710BLNR, 126710BLNR). Jubilee version sometimes called Batgirl.

• Root Beer – Brown and gold bezel (ref. 16753 vintage, ref. 126711CHNR modern). Also nicknamed “Clint Eastwood.”

• Blueberry – Rare Middle East–exclusive 1675 GMT with all-blue bezel. Highly collectible.

⚡ Collector Tip: GMT-Master nicknames are among the most SEO-searched Rolex nicknames worldwide.

🟢 Rolex Submariner Nicknames

As Rolex’s most famous dive watch, the Submariner has some of the most popular nicknames:

• Kermit – Green bezel, black dial Submariner 16610LV (2003–2010).

• Hulk – Green bezel, green dial Submariner 116610LV (2010–2020).

• Starbucks / Cermit – Green bezel, black dial Submariner 126610LV (current model).

• Smurf – White gold Submariner 116619LB, with all-blue bezel and dial.

• Cookie Monster – White gold Submariner 126619LB, blue bezel and black dial.

These nicknames make Submariners instantly recognizable and highly collectible.

🏁 Rolex Daytona Nicknames

The Rolex Daytona chronograph is one of the most legendary watches of all time — with nicknames that carry incredible value.

• Paul Newman Daytona – Exotic dial vintage Daytonas (refs. 6239, 6241, 6263, etc.) worn by actor Paul Newman. Auction prices have exceeded $17M.

• John Mayer Daytona – Yellow gold Daytona with green dial (ref. 116508), nicknamed after musician John Mayer. Secondary prices exploded after he endorsed it.

• Rainbow Daytona – Gem-set rainbow sapphire bezel Daytonas (refs. 116598RBOW, 116599RBOW, 116595RBOW). Among the most expensive modern Rolexes.

• Eye of the Tiger – Modern gem-set Daytona with tiger-pattern diamond dial (ref. 116588TBR).

⚡ Collector Tip: The Paul Newman Daytona is often considered the holy grail of Rolex collecting.

👑 Rolex Day-Date Nicknames

Known as the “President’s watch,” the Day-Date is iconic both for its bracelet and its nickname culture.

• President – Refers both to the Day-Date itself and its bracelet.

• Clinton / Obama – Named after U.S. Presidents who wore the Day-Date.

• Trump Day-Date – Some Day-Date references worn by Donald Trump are nicknamed by collectors.

The “President” nickname is so well-established that Rolex now uses it in official marketing for the bracelet.

📆 Rolex Datejust Nicknames

The Datejust has seen countless variations, but a few have earned their own nicknames.

• Wimbledon – Slate dial with green Roman numerals (refs. 116333, 126334, 126300). Named after Rolex’s sponsorship of Wimbledon tennis.

• Thunderbird – Datejust Turn-O-Graph with rotating bezel, named after its U.S. Air Force Thunderbird pilot connections.

🌊 Rolex Sea-Dweller & Deepsea Nicknames

• James Cameron (D-Blue) – Rolex Deepsea with blue-to-black gradient dial (ref. 116660, 126660). Released in honor of filmmaker James Cameron’s Mariana Trench expedition.

• Double Red Sea-Dweller – Vintage Sea-Dweller 1665 with two lines of red text.

⛰️ Rolex Explorer Nicknames

• Polar – White dial Explorer II models (refs. 16570, 216570, 226570).

• Steve McQueen – Explorer II ref. 1655. While McQueen never wore it, collectors gave it this nickname.

⚓ Other Famous Nicknames

• Milsub – Military Submariners issued to the British Navy (refs. 5513/5517).

• Texano – Heavy gold Rolex Oysterquartz Day-Date (ref. 5100).

• Padellone – Nickname for the oversized vintage Rolex reference 8171 moonphase.

📈 Why Rolex Nicknames Matter for Collectors

1. Cultural Identity – A nickname makes a Rolex instantly recognizable.

2. Value Boost – Watches with popular nicknames often command higher resale prices.

3. Auction Records – Paul Newman Daytona, John Mayer Daytona, and Pepsi GMT are among the most expensive auctioned Rolexes.

4. Community Language – Collectors worldwide use nicknames to connect, trade, and discuss references.

❓ FAQ Section: Rolex Nicknames

Q: Why do Rolex watches have nicknames?
A: Nicknames come from collectors, based on colors, celebrities, or history. Rolex never uses them officially.

Q: Which Rolex nickname is the most valuable?
A: The “Paul Newman Daytona” is the most valuable, with auction prices over $17M.

Q: Are Rolex nicknames official?
A: No. They’re informal but widely accepted in the watch community.

Q: Which Rolex nickname is the most popular today?
A: The “Pepsi” GMT-Master and “Hulk” Submariner are two of the most searched and collected.

🛍 Conclusion: Nicknames as a Part of Rolex Culture

Rolex nicknames make collecting more fun, approachable, and culturally rich. From the “Pepsi” GMT to the “Paul Newman” Daytona, these terms give each watch an identity beyond its reference number.

At Diamond Club Miami, we specialize in sourcing rare, discontinued, and iconic Rolex models — including many with legendary nicknames. Whether you’re after a Hulk, a Pepsi, or even a Rainbow Daytona, we help you find your dream piece.

Shop Rolex Watches at Diamond Club Miami or Speak With Our Experts about sourcing your dream Rolex.